"Contrary to what a lot of people think, this is a very good football team. They're the sixth-rated team in the country, and rightfully so, in terms of what they've accomplished as a team and what their coaching staff has done with them," Saban said. "This is going to be a very challenging game for us."

BOWL GIFTS: The Utes received the first of their bowl gifts after Thursday's practice — a Sony Blu-Ray player and an UnderArmour shirt with the Sugar Bowl logo on it.

"It's like the 12 Days of Christmas. We've got a gift for them each day," said Whittingham, who noted that everyone is taken care of, including the walk-ons. "It's a good thing. They get excited about it."

Remaining gifts include a Sony 4GB MP3 Walkman and watch from the Sugar Bowl, plus a travel jacket, travel pants, two polo shirts, a backpack and a $100 Best Buy gift card.

EXTRA POINTS: Whittingham said Thursday's practice at the Spence Eccles Field House went well. The Utes got back in pads and things picked up a little bit. ... Finals week is coming to a close and Whittingham noted the team is making the transition back to full-time football. ... Salt Lake practices continue daily, except Sunday, through Tuesday morning. After a break for Christmas, preparations shift to New Orleans, beginning Dec. 27.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com